Expansion At Riverfront Park In Newark Includes Walkway, Amphitheater
NEWARK, NJ — Since Newark’s founding in the mid-1600s, the growth and prosperity of the city has been closely linked to the Passaic River. Yet for many decades, the community was alienated from the river in virtually every way.
That’s been changing in New Jersey’s largest city, which recently celebrated the opening of a new extension at Riverfront Park.
On Friday, city officials and community members gathered to cut the ribbon on “Phase C” of the park, which has been dubbed “The Notch.”
The new public space extends along the Passaic River from Dock Railroad Bridge to the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, and includes a riverfront walkway with accessible features, an amphitheater, an art wall and three food kiosks.
It’s the latest milepost of success at the park, which provides the neighborhood with some much-needed green space.
City officials offered some background about the park and what it means to the community:
“The first phase of Newark Riverfront Park was completed in August 2013 and now connects downtown Newark and the Ironbound to the Passaic River. In the summer months, the park is a venue for events and activities, attracting residents from all of the city’s wards as well as visitors from outside the city thanks to Newark Riverfront Revival. From day-long festivals, art shows, yoga and Zumba classes, poetry and spoken word gatherings, chess, hip hop, kayaking, walking and boat tours – there is something for everyone at Riverfront Park. In 2017, four more acres of park land was added along the Passaic River. A signature feature is the Horizon Wellness Trail, which is marked at 1/8 mile intervals to help encourage and track progress toward fitness goals. The trail also features a Fitness Zone and connects to adjacent sports fields, playground, and a running track. Further development in 2018 expanded the park underneath the Jackson Street Bridge which features a tribute mural ‘Detox the River’ in honor of famed Newark artist Jerry Gant. Additional green space and a boardwalk extends along the river to the Welcome Wall at Madison Street.”
Eventually, the park will extend from the Ironbound riverfront to the North Ward, officials said.
Mayor Ras Baraka said the creation of Riverfront Park “represents collaboration at its best,” crediting residents for sharing their vision, and others for helping to bring that vision to fruition, including the City of Newark, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP), Essex County, federal authorities and The Trust for Public Land.
“Together, we are transforming Newark’s waterfront and enhancing the quality of life for residents and visitors alike,” the mayor said.
The Newark City Parks Foundation, which has been chosen to maintain Phase C and provide programming, also clapped for the new expansion.
“What began as a dream has turned into a reality, improving the quality of life for Newarkers, by providing access to a beautiful green and blue space and high-quality free programs for all who visit it,” said Marcy DePina, the group’s executive director.
“The work done during the past decade to connect the city and Ironbound to the Passaic River, add parkland and expand the property even further is an inspiring commitment and testament to how partnerships work to give communities healthy, green spaces where children can play, families can gather, and people can enjoy nature,” NJDEP Commissioner Shawn LaTourette said.
“This is a great day for the City of Newark,” LaTourette added.
Written By Eric Kiefer,Patch Staff